It’s been said many times that travel broadens the mind. But it can also do wonders for your mental and physical health. Whether you’re travelling to the countryside to spend a few days in a log cabin with the outside world switched off, or are heading off on an expansive holiday to Vietnam to explore another culture and relax by the beach, travel is good for you.
Whether it’s exploring a new city, relaxing on a beach, or hiking through the mountains, travel can help improve both your physical and mental health for the following reasons.
Reduces stress
Travelling provides a break from the daily routine and allows you to unwind and recharge. Being in a new environment, away from the pressures of work and other responsibilities, can help lower your cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.
Boosts mood
Travelling can create a sense of excitement and adventure, which can help increase feelings of happiness and well-being. It can also give you a new perspective on life, helping you to appreciate what you have and be more grateful.
Increases physical activity
Travelling often involves physical activity, such as walking, hiking, swimming, or biking. Engaging in physical activity while on vacation can help improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles, and increase your endurance. It can also boost your metabolism, helping you to burn more calories and maintain a healthy weight.
Improves sleep
A new environment can help reset your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, physical activity during the day can help tire you out and improve sleep quality at night.
Travelling can help enhance social connections by providing an opportunity to meet new people from different walks of life, learn about different cultures, and make lasting friendships. Social connections are important for mental health, as they can provide a sense of belonging, support, and purpose and the connections you make when travelling will feel even more special than those made at home.
Increases creativity
New experiences can stimulate the brain and help generate new ideas. Exposure to different cultures, languages, and customs can also broaden your perspective and inspire new ways of thinking.
Promotes mindfulness
Holidays can help you focus on the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It can also help you to disconnect from technology and other distractions, allowing you to be more present and mindful.
Boosts brain functions
Exposure to new environments, languages, and cultures can help improve cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to new situations and solve problems. Additionally, learning new skills, such as cooking or language, while travelling can help improve memory and concentration.
David Radar, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
